Pataki On The Stump

Delivering the keynote speech at the Delaware state GOP convention yesterday, Gov. George Pataki touted his record on reducing crime and cutting taxes and spending.

He didn’t mention that tate debt has increased since he took office in 1995 from $30 billion to $48 billion, and state spending has exceeded the inflation rate for 10 of the last 12 years. Also, he didn’t get around to noting that fees (which the Pataki administration has repeatedly insisted are not taxes) forÂ everything from stateÂ park access toÂ automobile titles have gone up during his tenure. Â

It’s interesting that Pataki chose to highlight one tax cut in particular while in Delaware, (as per an APÂ story about the event):

“We even eliminated the tax on beer; that was a very popular tax cut,” he said.

Pataki was also in the all-important first presidential primary state of New Hampshire Thursday and Friday. He told reporters he had “a tremendous time,” but added: “I don’t think you can draw any long-term political conclusions into that.”Â

According to the AP, Pataki said he doesn’t expect any “serious decisions” from politicians mulling presidential bids until after the November elections.